An iconic landmark in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the Notre-Dame Basilica. It is a Catholic church which is a living testament to the Vietnamese's profound belief in God. Vietnam is not a Catholic country but it has a large number of Catholics. In fact, it has the fifth largest Catholic population in Asia. Here are some pictures that I took when I visited the iconic basilica on Christmas day of 2013.
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| The front yard of Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. The statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in front yard was made in Rome. |
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| The interior of Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. |
Vietnam also produced 117 saints. They were canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 19, 1988 in the Vatican. Their memorial is celebrated every November 24. Some of their relics are kept at the basilica.
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| Saints of Vietnam |
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| Relics of the Saints of Vietnam |
It is spirituality invigorating to visit the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. If there is faith, it can blossom even in a place arid in belief.
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